Skip navigation

Radiation Therapists - 29-1124.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Computed Tomography Simulation Therapist (CT Simulation Therapist)
  • Dosimetrist
  • Medical Dosimetrist
  • Radiation Therapist (RT)
  • Radiation Therapy Technologist (RTT)
  • Registered Radiation Therapist
  • Staff Radiation Therapist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Act as liaison with physicist and supportive care personnel.
  • Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
  • Assist in the preparation of sealed radioactive materials, such as cobalt, radium, cesium, or isotopes, for use in radiation treatments.
  • Calculate actual treatment dosages delivered during each session.
  • Check for side effects, such as skin irritation, nausea, or hair loss to assess patients' reaction to treatment.
  • Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
  • Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
  • Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
  • Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
  • Help physicians, radiation oncologists, or clinical physicists to prepare physical or technical aspects of radiation treatment plans, using information about patient condition and anatomy.
  • Implement appropriate follow-up care plans.
  • Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
  • Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
  • Photograph treated area of patient and process film.
  • Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
  • Prepare or construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, or protection devices.
  • Provide assistance to other healthcare personnel during dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
  • Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
  • Schedule patients for treatment times.
  • Store, sterilize, or prepare the special applicators containing the radioactive substance implanted by the physician.
  • Train or supervise student or subordinate radiotherapy technologists.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
  • Administer cancer treatments.
  • Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
  • Calculate numerical data for medical activities.
  • Develop medical treatment plans.
  • Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
  • Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
  • Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
  • Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
  • Fabricate medical devices.
  • Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
  • Interact with patients to build rapport or provide emotional support.
  • Maintain medical facility records.
  • Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
  • Position patients for treatment or examination.
  • Prepare medications or medical solutions.
  • Process x-rays or other medical images.
  • Protect patients or staff members using safety equipment.
  • Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
  • Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
  • Supervise patient care personnel.
  • Train medical providers.
  • Verify accuracy of patient information.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Dental Assistant (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Apprentice, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Craftsman, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Helper, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Imaging Journeyman, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Body Imaging (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Cardiothoracic Imaging (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Musculoskeletal (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Neuroradiology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Nuclear Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Pediatric (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Special Procedures (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Diagnostic Radiologist, Women s Imaging (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Health Services Management (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Hospital Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Medical Administration Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Medical Oncologist/Hematologist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nuclear Medicine Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nuclear Medicine Physician (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nuclear Medicine Specialist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Radiation Oncologist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Radiation Specialist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Radiation Specialist (Navy - Warrant Officer only)
  • Radiologist (Diagnostic) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Radiologist (Therapeutic) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Radiotherapist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Radiation Therapist